I refer to the article, ‘Church Commission calls on government to think twice before giving go-ahead to project on ODZ land’, published on 6 January, 2015.

The photo does not give the co-ordinates. According to the published map, the development seems to stretch from Zonqor Point to Xgħajra and beyond. The extent to which the development would stretch beyond Xgħajra is not clear, leaving open the possibility of further expansion, whether by using legal means or the illegal tactics we have seen being used in other developments.

The plans indicate three hotels and a continuous beach in between, yet in practice, this development’s footprint will be much larger, stretching inland, probably all the way to Zabbar.

This development may initially appear to be three separate hotels but will ultimately be a resort. It is a sizeable piece of land and a large stretch of waterfront, which will be inaccessible to all but the resort owners.

The waterfront is rocky, with a vertical drop. It is not a slope as is normally found on a natural beach. The construction phase of this beach will see massive earthworks, pulling out the soil and loose rocks to build a base for sand, which is to be brought in from elsewhere.

Large amounts of sand and soil would need shifting. Additionally, trucks with building materials will be driving to and from the sight; constantly and considering the project’s scale, for a long period of time too. All this will destroy the natural landscape in this large stretch of public land.

Needless to say, beaches normally form naturally and depend on several environmental factors for their continued existence. The environment in the area may prove problematic to such a large stretch of artificial beach. One of the most predictable problems has to do with sand being blown inland. Another has to do with strong water currents that may prevent swimming, which is a common feature of open-coast areas like Zonqor point and Xgħajra.

Furthermore, the sight in question features many historical artefacts, all of which must be preserved. Wells and aquifers on the coast are particularly valuable, for several reasons, including the prevention of seawater ingress.

The area’s marine life and seabed should be mapped out, documented and assessed for any atypical susceptibility to damage or degradation. The efficient management of the environment and natural resources, both during construction as well as use, should be described in a mandatory Environmental Management Plan, which should in turn be audited regularly.

The government is a custodian of land. It is not the business of government to sell public land for the enjoyment of a handful of people. There are other forms of deals that may be struck in such cases, such a long term lease.

The waterfront is an environment that offers citizens unique benefits. Denying citizens its use is wrong on every level. It is time for the government to take responsibility for ensuring that public land is preserved for future generations. Selling land to foreigners should be constitutionally prohibited.

Dr Joan Ribi 

 

Valletta